Last update October 14, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
There are many great soccer stars who retired in the 90. And this decade, marked the end of a glorious era for several legendary figures of world football. This time, which many consider the “golden era” of football, saw several icons hang up their boots after having left an indelible mark on the beautiful sport. In this article, We will review the most memorable goodbyes of the great legends who marked a before and after in the history of football.
Franco Baresi (1997)
One of the most influential defenders of all time, Franco Baresi, ended his career in 1997, after 20 years at the service of AC Milan. Captain and symbol of the “rossoneri”, Baresi was known for his tactical ability and leadership in defense, being an exponent of the use of the libero. With Milan he won six Serie A titles and three European Cups, in addition to guiding Italy to runners-up in the World Cup 1994. His goodbye left a void in the hearts of Milan fans.
Soccer stars who retired in the 90
Maradona retired after several comings and goings in the 90
Diego Maradona, considered by many the best player of all time, He lived his final retirement in the 90. After a career full of success, like the World Cup 1986, and controversies, like his penalty for drug problems in 1991 and his exclusion from the USA World Cup 1994 for doping, The Argentine star left an indelible mark on football.
His ability to change the course of a game with a single play earned him the nickname “God” in Naples., where he is idolized to this day, years after his death in 2020. His official retirement came in 1997, closing an unrepeatable stage.
Michel Platini: Goodbye from the bench
Although Platini had already hung up his boots at the end of the 80, His definitive retirement from the world of football as coach of the French team occurred in the 90. Winner of three consecutive Ballon d'Ors (1983-1985), Platini led France to win the European Championship 1984. His legacy as one of the best footballers of all time still intact. Not so much his role as UEFA president..
Jürgen Klinsmann (1998)
German striker Jürgen Klinsmann, famous for his scoring instinct and his spectacular finishes, He said goodbye to professional football in 1998. World champion in 1990 and European champion in 1996, Klinsmann retired after playing for clubs like Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich. In his last season, defended the colors of Sampdoria, but his legacy will always be remembered for his exploits with the German team. Then he played in the US 4th Division, but no longer at a professional level.
Eric Cantona (1997)
Eric Cantona, one of the most emblematic figures of English football and Manchester United, surprised the football world by retiring in 1997, at the young age of 30 years. When he was in his 'prime' as modern kids would say today. He was at the top of his career..
His rebellious character, his undisputed talent and his influence on the transformation of Manchester United under the orders of "Matches fade from memory they made him a legend. Cantona left football at the top after winning the Premier League and the FA Cup on several occasions, but his retirement was as abrupt as his impact on the game.
the old European Cup against (1995)
the old European Cup against, one of the most prolific and elegant forwards in history, retired prematurely 1995 due to a series of serious ankle injuries that cut short his career. Van Basten won the Ballon d'Or three times and a pillar of AC Milan and the Netherlands national team. His goal in the Euro Cup final 1988 It's one of the most remembered goals in the history of the Euro Cups. Despite his early retirement, His impact on football was immense and he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest strikers of all time..
Lothar Matthäus (2000)
Although his official retirement occurred in the year 2000, Lothar Matthäus had his last great moment in the 90. He was the captain of the world champion German team in 1990 Y, throughout that decade, continued to be a reference in world football. With impressive longevity, Matthäus played his last World Cup in 1998, setting a record in Germany by having played five editions of the World Cup. Although later there would be many the players who have played 5 world. His ability to adapt both in midfield and defense made him a sporting legend..
